Jannik Sinner health concern raised as ex-player explains reason behind French Open collapse: ‘I heard he had a virus’
Greg Rusedski feels that Jannik Sinner could be suffering from a virus, which also contributed to his semifinal defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open.
Jannik Sinner crashed out of the ongoing French Open, losing to Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-3, 6-2, 5-7, 1-6, 1-6. Especially with Carlos Alcaraz withdrawing, Sinner was the favourite to clinch the title at Roland Garros and complete a career Grand Slam. He has won the Australian Open (2024, 2025), US Open (2024) and Wimbledon (2025). But has never won the French Open.
Jannik Sinner suffered from fatigue and cramps in his second round exit. (AFP)
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Sinner was on the brink of victory in his second-round match against the Argentine, but heat-related fatigue led to cramps.
He was holding a two-set lead and commanding a 5-1 advantage in the third before collapsing and sliding to a shocking defeat. 1997 US Open finalist Greg Rusedski feels that Sinner could be suffering from a virus, which also contributed to his semifinal defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open this year.
"It’s basically heat exhaustion, or maybe he had something with the virus he had in Australia," he said, while speaking on his podcast.
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Pointing out that it wasn't a mental issue as the Italian was 5-1 up in the third set, he said, "Everybody’s saying, Sinner’s got a weakness and it’s mental. That’s nonsense. He’s not going to choke when he’s two sets to love up and 5-1 against a guy who is beating him easily."
‘I heard he had a virus in Australia’
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Pointing out that it wasn't a mental issue as the Italian was 5-1 up in the third set, he said, "Everybody’s saying, Sinner’s got a weakness and it’s mental. That’s nonsense. He’s not going to choke when he’s two sets to love up and 5-1 against a guy who is beating him easily."
‘I heard he had a virus in Australia’
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Rusedski claimed he heard Sinner had a virus in Melbourne that held him back. "I heard he had a virus in Australia that was holding him back and these viruses can linger. When you are winning matches as easily as he has been, you can cruise through matches, but the heat got him in Paris. That’s the only explanation that makes sense to me," he said.
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"Sometimes viruses take a long time to get out of your system. Look at Emma Raducanu over the last few months.
"Jannik also said he felt sick on the morning of the match.
"So the only people who actually know what the truth of the matter is Jannik Sinner and his team. And he’s got a fantastic team. They will be looking at everything. The agent will be looking at everything. They will find a solution to this problem.
"But they also don’t want to tell us what the problem is exactly, which is also good coaching because it makes us talk, what is it? What’s happening here? What’s happening there? Because you don’t want to give any advantage to your opponents," he added.
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Home/Sports/Tennis/Jannik Sinner health concern raised as ex-player explains reason behind French Open collapse: ‘I heard he had a virus’
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